Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara has warned that strict legal action will be taken if the violence during protests against the proposed Bidadi Township Project is found to have been politically motivated or conducted in violation of the law. He said citizens have the right to express their concerns, submit petitions, and hold peaceful demonstrations, but attacks on government officials and unlawful activities would not be tolerated.
The warning came after police registered FIRs against some farmers and protesters following clashes during a Joint Measurement Survey (JMC) conducted as part of the preliminary land acquisition process for the Bidadi Township Project. Government officials involved in the survey were allegedly attacked during the protest, with some farmers reportedly throwing stones and chasing the survey team. Women protesters were also accused of hitting official vehicles with brooms, forcing officials to stop the exercise and leave the area.
Responding to questions about the police action, Parameshwara said the government would follow legal procedures and examine the circumstances surrounding the incident. He stated that peaceful opposition to development projects is part of democratic rights, but violence or attempts to obstruct government work through unlawful means would invite action. He also said the government would communicate with residents to explain the need for the township project and address concerns regarding land requirements and the protection of farmers’ interests.
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Meanwhile, Parameshwara announced that the Karnataka government would launch ‘Bharat Jodo Yuva Sanghas’ across the state within a month as part of a youth empowerment initiative. The programme, inspired by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, aims to encourage leadership, social service, cultural participation, and community involvement among young people. The initiative will be implemented through the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports with support from multiple government departments.
Under the scheme, youth organisations will be formed in every gram panchayat across Karnataka, with each group consisting of 100 to 250 members. The government plans to provide an annual grant of ₹10 lakh to each organisation for activities related to sports, cultural programmes, community service, and awareness campaigns. Parameshwara said the state is prepared to spend up to ₹1,000 crore if required to strengthen youth development initiatives.
The Deputy Chief Minister also addressed questions regarding the pending expansion of the Karnataka cabinet ahead of the August Assembly session. He said the government would function effectively with the current ministers while discussions on filling vacant positions continue at the party leadership level. Responding to criticism from BJP MLC Chalavadi Narayanaswamy over allegations regarding ministerial appointments, Parameshwara rejected the claims and said they reflected the political culture of the opposition rather than his party.
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